ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
Workshop for Regional Media at Reserve Bank of India , Kolkata
Kolkata, 22nd February, 2021
Reserve Bank of India organized a familiarization workshop for regional media persons in Kolkata today. The aim was to impart good understanding of the rationale for Reserve Bank’s policy decisions among media persons, thus giving them a better and broader perspective on RBI’s functioning.
Delivering key note address on the role of regional media in disseminating RBI’s policies and in maintaining economic stability , Deputy Governor Sri M Rajeswar Rao said that besides monitory policy, the bank is doing different types of management. It is maintaining transparency, timeliness and accuracy .
Smt Sonali Sengupta, CGM of Financial Inclusion development department gave an overview of the developmental role of RBI. Prakash Baliar Singh, CGM of Department of Regulation gave a quick overview of regulation and supervision in India. Sri Ishan Shukla , CGM of Department of currency management discussed on RBI’s planning and distribution on currency management across the nation. Sri P Vasudevan, CGM of Department of payment and Settlement systems discussed on payment system initiatives, infrastructure and processes.
Sri Sushobhan Sinha , Regional Director, Kolkata said that media can play a vital role regarding propagate various policy of RBI. Sri Yogesh Dayal discussed about RBI’s website and communication fuction.
Prime Minister's Office
The verdict of Supreme Court marks the start of a new dawn: PM
PM hails the judgement as historic; calls upon Indians to make a new beginning and come together to build a New India
PM hails the Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya as historic and calls today as a golden day in the history of India and Indian judiciary. PM urged all citizens to come together to build a New India and work for everyone’s development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Today, on 9th November, the Kartarpur corridor has begun. In this corridor, there have been efforts from India and efforts from Pakistan. And now, with today’s verdict on Ayodhya, this date- the 9th of November teaches us the power of staying united and growing together. ”
PM said that SC heard everyone with much patience and gave unanimous verdict which has shown its tremendous resolve.
PM further said, “With today’s verdict, the Honourable Supreme Court has given a message that even the toughest issues can be resolved within the framework of the Constitution and in spirit of the laws.
We should learn from this verdict that even if there is some delay, we should remain patient. This is in everyone’s interest.
In every situation, our faith in India’s constitution, India’s judicial system must remain unwavering. This is very important.”
PM said that Supreme Court has given its decision on the construction of Ram Mandir and this decision has made it incumbent upon all us citizens to take our responsibility of nation building even more seriously. PM said that the harmony, brotherhood, friendship, unity and peace amongst us all, is very important for the nation’s development. PM urged all citizens to walk together and work together to achieve our goals and objectives.
Ministry of Defence
Patenting of Innovative Low Cost PPE developed by Indian Navy Paves way for Rapid Mass Production
In a major step towards rapid mass production of the Medical Personal Protective Equipment  developed by the Indian Navy, a patent has been successfully filed by the Intellectual Property Facilitation Cell  of Min of Defence, in association with National Research Development Corporation , an enterprise under Min of Science & Technology.
The low cost PPE has been developed by a Doctor of Indian Navy, posted at the recently created Innovation Cell at Institute of Naval Medicine , Mumbai. A pilot batch of PPEs has already been produced at Naval Dockyard Mumbai.
The PPE developed by the Navy is made of a special fabric which affords high level of protection along with high ‘breathability’ as against other PPEs available in the market and is therefore more suitable for use in hot and humid weather conditions as prevalent in India. The technology has also been tested and validated by ICMR approved Testing Lab.
Concerted efforts are now ongoing by a core team of Navy, IPFC and NRDC to commence mass production of this low cost PPE. Eligible firms are being identified by NRDC for taking up licensed production of the PPEs on a fast track. A very significant and urgent requirement in the fight against the Corona Virus is the need to equip our front line health care professionals with comfortable PPEs, which can be produced indigenously at an affordable cost without much capital investment. The firms / start ups interested to take up licensed production may approach cmdnrdc@nrdcindia.com.
The team of Innovators from Navy is working in close coordination with IPFC which was set up under Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti. Since its launch in Nov 2018, around 1500 IP assets have been created under Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Farmers now assured of barrier-free trading and remunerative prices for agriculture produce after recent agricultural reforms - Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
Shri Tomar stresses on important role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in agricultural progess while laying the foundation stone of the administrative building of KVK Dataganj in Badaun
Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has said that the Government is taking all possible measures to ensure that farmers get remunerative prices for their produce. Laying the foundation stone through video-conference of the administrative building of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra  at Dataganj, Badaun in UP, Shri Tomar said that with the implementation of the two new ordinances and other legal reforms in agriculture sector, farmers can now sell their produce anywhere in the country at remunerative prices and all restrictions on them have been removed. The Farmers  Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance 2020 will serve to ensure that along with agreement with traders on purchase of agricultural produce, farmers are now assured beforehand of guaranteed return of their production costs.
The Union Agriculture Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, efforts have been made to bridge the gap between agriculture and other sectors. The country is now not only self-sufficient but also surplus in foodgrain production. There are 86% small and marginal farmers in the country, who should all have access to government schemes, programmes and facilities. KVKs and scientists have an important role to play in ensuring this. The Minister stressed on the important role of the KVKs in ensuring that farmers give attention to soil health testing, refrain from using excessive pesticides, save water in irrigation and increase their crop production. He said that KVKs also have a leading role to play in increasing cluster farming, and development of crops for which local environment is conducive.
Shri Tomar said that there are 86 KVKs in UP, which are doing commendable work. Opening of 20 new KVKs in the state had been approved, out of which 17 are already functioning. The remaining three will be soon opened in Prayagraj, Rae Bareli and Azamgarh. Another KVK is proposed in Moradabad.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Kailash Choudhary, UP State Ministers and legislators, Director General, ICAR, Dr Trilochan Mahapatra, Director, IARI, Dr A.K. Singh, Vice Chancellor, Sardar Patel Agriculture University, Meerut, Dr R.K. Mittal and other officers and scientists were present in the video-conference. It was informed in the VC that there are 720 KVKs in the country and 151 climate smart villages, which present technical models under different conditions. KVKs are also giving training to about 15 lakh farmers and youth every year.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
167.29cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at 16,21,603
Active cases standat 3.90%
Recovery Rate currently at 94.91%
2,81,109recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
3,95,11,307
1,61,386new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
73.24cr Total Tests conducted so far; 17,42,793tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Projects sanctioned by NESIDS
The North East Special Infrastructure Development  scheme was approved in 15.12.2017, and since its inception 112 projects worth Rs 2589.14 crore have been sanctioned for the North Eastern States, against which funds amounting to Rs 1514.47 crore have been released by the Ministry.
This information was given by the Minister for Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Airfare, in normal circumstances, is market driven and is neither established nor regulated by the Government
Under the provision of sub-rule  of Rule 135 of Aircraft Rules, 1937, the airlines are required to display the fare structures on their websites. Details of existing airfares are available on the website of the respective airlines. The Government has received a few references regarding airfares in the Gulf sector from Hon'ble Members of Parliament and from the Government of Kerala.
With the repeal of Air Corporations Act in March, 1994, tariff fixation has been deregulated and airlines are free to fix reasonable tariffs under the provisions of sub-rule  of Rule 135 of Aircraft Rules, 1937 having regard to all relevant factors, including the cost of operation, characteristics of service, reasonable profit and the generally prevailing tariff.
The airfare, in normal circumstances, is market driven and is neither established nor regulated by the Government. Air ticket prices generally vary depending upon the market forces. Airline pricing runs in multiple levels {buckets or Reservation Booking Designator } which are in line with the practice being followed globally. Due to dynamic fare pricing, the tickets bought in advance are much cheaper than those purchased near the date of travel.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation  is the safety regulatory authority for civil aviation sector. Under sub-rule  of Rule 135 of Aircraft Rules, 1937, where the DGCA is satisfied that any airline has established excessive or predatory tariff under sub-rule  or has indulged in oligopolistic practice, the DGCA may, by order, issue directions to such airline.
Ministry of Defence
HQ IDS Celebrates 5th International Day of Yoga
As the world celebrates the 5th International Day of Yoga today, the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff  also joined the celebration at Brar Square, Delhi Cantt. Here. The event was attended byChief of the Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman COSC Lieutenant General PS Rajeshwaralong with a large number of Tri-Servicepersonnel, civilian personnel and their families. Yoga is a system of holistic approach to good health and overall well-being through thought and action, restraint &fulfilment. It is also harmony between human body and the nature. The yoga session included various asanas conducted under the supervision of a trained Yoga Instructor. All the participants displayed full vigour, energy and enthusiasm during the energetic and vibrant session.
Nampi/DK/HS
(Visitor Counter : 290
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 192.27 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 20.52 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,92,27,23,625
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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20,52,07,261
More than 192.27 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 20.52 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles demise of Chairman Dainik Jagran Group Yogendra Mohan Gupta
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of the Chairman of Dainik Jagran Group Yogendra Mohan Gupta Ji.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"दैनिक जागरण समूह के चेयरमैन योगेन्द्र मोहन गुप्ता जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। उनका जाना कला, साहित्य और पत्रकारिता जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। शोक की इस घड़ी में उनके परिजनों के प्रति मैं अपनी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करता हूं। ऊं शांति!"
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves acquisition of shareholding in Busybees Logistics Solutions Private Limited by BXG Xenon HoldCo Limited.
The Competition Commission of India  approves acquisition of shareholding in Busybees Logistics Solutions Private Limited by BXG Xenon HoldCo Limited.
The proposed combination envisages the acquisition of certain equity shareholding on a fully diluted basis in BusyBees Logistics Solutions Private Limited  by BXG Xenon HoldCo Ltd .
The Acquirer is a newly incorporated entity and at present does not have any business operations, in India or worldwide. The Acquirer is controlled by funds advised and / or managed by affiliates of Blackstone Inc.
Blackstone Inc. is a global alternative asset manager. It is headquartered in the United States and has offices in a number of geographies, including Europe and Asia.
The Target is engaged in the business of providing logistics and delivery solution services in India. It operates in India using the brand name ‘Xpressbees’ and provides a range of services falling within the logistics sector, including:  Express parcel shipping services;  B2B Part Truck Load and Full Truck load freight services;  Cross border Logistics;  3PL / Contract Logistics;  Online logistics aggregation services;  B2B marketplace enabling sellers to sell products online to B2B customers; and  Supply of logistics, shipping, and other related services.
Detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Ministry of Defence
Permanent Commission to Women
Ministry of Defence has taken steps to ensure implementation of announcement by the Prime Minister on 15th August, 2018 regarding grant of Permanent Commission to Women officers in the Armed Forces.
In so far the Indian Air Force is concerned, all Branches, including Fighter Pilots are now open for women officers.
In Indian Navy all non sea going Branches/Cadre/Specialisation have been opened for induction of women officers through Short Service Commission. In addition to education, Law & Naval Constructor branch/cadre, women SSC officers have been made eligible for grant of Permanent Commission in the Naval Armament branch, at par with the male officers.
The proposal for induction of three new training ships for the Indian Navy is underway. This will provide the requisite infrastructure for training of both men and women officers. Indian Navy will start inducting women in all branches, once the training ships are in place.
Women officers will be granted Permanent Commission in the Indian Army in all the ten branches where women are inducted for Short Service Commission. So, besides the existing two streams of Judge Advocate General  and Army Education Corps, now PC will be granted in Signals, Engineers, Army Aviation, Army Air Defence, Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, Army Service Corps, Army Ordinance Corps and Intelligence also to women officers. SSC women officers will give their option for PC before completion of four years of Commissioned Service and they will exercise option for grant of PC and their choice of specialisation.
SSC Women officers will be considered for grant of PC based on suitability, merit etc and will be employed in various staff appointment.
Nampi
(Visitor Counter : 11925
Ministry of Finance
Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to embark late tonight on official visit to USA to attend Annual Meetings of the IMF-World Bank from 11th to 16th October 2022
Union Finance Minister to participate also in G20 Finance Ministers & Central Bank Governors meetings besides bilateral meetings with many countries
Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will be traveling to the USA on an official visit beginning October 11, 2022. During her visit, Smt. Sitharaman will be attending the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund  and the World Bank, the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governor  Meetings.
The Finance Minister will take part in bilateral meetings with several countries, including Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Bhutan, New Zealand, Egypt, Germany, Mauritius, UAE, Iran and Netherlands. The Finance Minister will also hold one-on -one meetings with leaders & heads of OECD, European Commission and UNDP.
In a high-level meeting, the Finance Minister will meet the US Treasury Secretary Ms. Janet Yellen and Mr David Malpass, President, World Bank separately to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Union Finance Minister will also participate in a fire side chat on “India’s Economic Prospects and Role in the World Economy” at the Brookings Institution, a prominent non-profit public policy organisation based in Washington, DC.
Smt. Sitharaman will share her thoughts on India’s unique Digital Public Goods  story and multiplier effects created in India through the interlinkages of ‘Technology, Finance and Governance’ at the School of Advanced International Studies , John Hopkins University during the visit.
During the later part of the visit, the Union Finance Minister will attend roundtable meetings with USIBC and USISPF on themes to ‘Strengthen Investment and Innovation in India-US Corridor’ and “Investing in India’s Digital Revolution”. These meetings with leading business leaders and investors are aimed at highlighting India’s policy priorities, and deliberate on measures to facilitate foreign investment by showcasing India’s attractiveness as an investment destination.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President greets the people on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi
The Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar has greeted the people on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. Following is the full text of his message -
“I convey my warm greetings and good wishes to all on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety, Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the god of wisdom and prosperity. Much revered in India’s cultural tradition, Shri Ganesh Ji is invoked at the beginning of every auspicious endeavour by the devout.
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, representing India’s composite culture, transcends the boundaries of caste, creed, religion or region. On this occasion, I pray for the good health, happiness and prosperity of all my countrymen.”
Ministry of Finance
Income Tax Department conducts searches in Hyderabad
Income Tax Department carried out a search and seizure operation on 06.07.2021 on a group based in Hyderabad. The group is engaged in real estate, construction, waste management and infrastructure. The activities of waste management are spread across India while real estate activities are mainly concentrated in Hyderabad.
During the course of search and seizure operation many incriminating documents, loose sheets etc were seized indicating involvement of the group in unaccounted transactions. It was found that the group had sold majority stake, to a Non-resident entity based in Singapore, in one of its group concerns during FY 2018-19 and had earned huge capital gains. The group subsequently devised various colourable schemes by means of entering into a series of share purchase/sale/Non arm’s length valued subscription and subsequent bonus issuance etc with related parties, creating a loss which was set off against the capital gains earned. Incriminating evidence/documents have been recovered, which indicate that the loss was artificially created to set off the respective capital gains. The search operation led to detection of artificial loss of approximately Rs. 1,200 crore, which is to be taxed in the hands of the respective assessees.
Further, during the course of the search, it was found that the assessee had incorrectly claimed bad debts to the tune of Rs. 288 crore on account of related party transactions, which was set off against the aforementioned profits earned. During search proceedings, incriminating documents relating to this artificial/incorrect claim were found. Unaccounted cash transactions with the associates of the group have also been detected during the search, and the quantum and modus of the same is under examination.
As a result of the search & seizure operation, and on the basis of various incriminating documents found, the entities and associates have admitted to having unaccounted income of Rs. 300 crore and have also agreed to pay due taxes.
Further investigations are in progress.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi speaks to H.E. Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba, Prime Minister of Nepal on telephone
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke on phone today with H.E. Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba, to convey congratulations and best wishes for his appointment as the Prime Minister of Nepal and for winning the confidence vote in Parliament.
Recalling the unique and millenia-old people-to-people linkages that underpin the special friendship between India and Nepal, the leaders agreed to work together to enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas.
They discussed, in particular, ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination in the context of ongoing effort against the COVID-19 pandemic.